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Chelsea to Add Strength In Depth to Defence With Moves for Lazio & FC Porto Full-Backs

Roberto Di Matteo has shortlisted two wide players from Porto and Lazio respectively to add competition to Chelsea’s first-team squad.

The new Blues’ boss wants to beef up competition by providing back-up to Branislav Ivanovic and Ashley Cole.
Di Matteo is seeking a right-back, a versatile left midfielder-cum-defender and a replacement for Didier Drogba as top of his list of priorities.

Two names near the top of his shortlist are Porto’s Cristian Sapunaru and Senad Lulic from Lazio.

Sapunaru is seen as being able to provide cover for Ivanovic ahead of what is sure to be a testing campaign for the Champions League winners.

And Bosnia international Lulic, who has enjoyed an excellent first campaign with Lazio, has the added attraction of being able to play either as a wide midfielder or at left-back.

Clearly Roman Abramovich is a man on a mission, so much so that now the Russian, tired of spending big money on ‘marquee’ signings is now looking to populate his squad with quality back-up options to boot. Clearly the Blues owner has realised that if he wants his West London side to challenge on multiple fronts that he will have to bring in good options to warm the bench.

Senad Lulic has had a good first season with Lazio following his move to Rome from his stint in Switzerland and the 26 year old can offer effective displays both as a full-back or winger on the left flank. It may well be that Di Matteo sees the Mostar born wide-man in a more advanced role as he currently has both Ashley Cole and Ryan Bertands for defensive duties.

Similarly Romanian international Cristian Sapunaru can play at centre back as well as his more preferred position as right-back, a spot that the Stamford Bridge side certainly has to consider filling. Jose Bosingwa was released and arguably Branislav Ivanovic is more adept as a central defender than when used as a full-back.

Sapunaru is an experienced performer who has been in and out of the FC Porto line up since he moved to Portugal four years ago.

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